Soccer: Kingz wary of the late goals

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Kevin Fallon well remembers the Football Kingz away game against Marconi earlier this season.

Fallon was in Napier for an age-group tournament and was enjoying a beer with friends while watching the game on television.

"It wasn't a bad game and the Kingz did well to get back to 3-3," Fallon said. "I then turned around and by the time I had put my glass down, Marconi had scored twice and the Kingz had lost 5-3."

Now coach of the Auckland-based side, he has seen more of the same - late goals costing his side points.

"I've inherited a lot of what happened that night," he said. "We are still getting punished by the late goals. But, as was the case then, we are playing some good stuff."

Determined to go down fighting at least, Fallon has again rung the changes for tonight's clash with the Stallions at North Harbour Stadium.

He has pressed Campbell Banks back into action after time out with a broken toe.

Banks will join Paul Urlovic in a two-pronged attack, with the wide support from Harry Ngata and Andy Vlahos.

With Australian defender Robbie Hooker now on a month-to-month contract, there is a more settled look at the back.

Hooker will join John Markovski in the central defensive roles and Jonathan Perry and Sean Douglas take the wing back duties.

Chris Jackson will again lead the team in his 50th NSL outing with the Kingz, playing alongside George Goutzioulis in the heart of the midfield.

Jeff Campbell joins Mark Burton, who has been nursing a calf strain, on the substitutes' bench along with young Craig Wylie.

Fallon will call for a fitness test on goalkeeper Michael Theoklitos before deciding on his last line of defence.

"Michael has had a few problems," Fallon said. "I will give him as much time as possible. James Bannatyne has also not been 100 per cent after getting a knock, and maybe some slight concussion, in Monday night's 1-0 win over Mt Wellington."

Simon Eady has been called in as cover if needed.

Marconi have enjoyed a solid season and remain a definite top-six chance. But the Kingz can point to some solid efforts against top-rated sides - including the win over the Brisbane Strikers - to show they will not be over-awed by tonight's game.

The return to North Harbour, for the second time this season, gives both teams the chance to play attractive football on a ground which was in superb condition when the Kingz trained there yesterday.

Kings (likely): Michael Theoklitos or James Bannatyne, Jonathan Perry, Robbie Hooker, John Markovski, Sean Douglas, Harry Ngata, George Goutzioulis, Chris Jackson (captain), Andy Vlahos, Paul Urlovic, Campbell Banks. Substitutes: Bannatyne or Simon Eady, Craig Wylie, Mark Burton, Jeff Campbell.

Kickoff: 7.30 pm.